Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena relish tough competition on B.League opening weekend

Brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena admitted to enjoying their first matchups in the opening weekend of the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.League).

Playing in opposing teams for the first time in their professional careers, Kiefer said he is just happy that they were both healthy at the end of the back-to-back games.

"We are really looking forward to it. This is the first time that we played against each other in a real game, professional game, so I guess, he gets the last laugh," Kiefer said in a press conference on Sunday. "But we're happy that we finished the weekend healthy, without any injuries. It's a long season so we have to prepare for other teams in the league."

"Those are very good games. Both games are very tough," echoed Thirdy. "It was a great weekend overall."

Aside from representing their family and their individual teams, Thirdy said it is a 'great feeling' to represent the Philippines.

"We're very happy that we're in this position. We get to represent not just our team and our country as well. It's not just us but all the other athletes playing internationally, regardless of the sport," Thirdy said, mentioning that other Filipinos are playing in Japan.

Aside from the Ravena brothers and the other basketball players in the B.League, Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Jaja Santiago are playing volleyball, while women's football players Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada are also in Japan.

Kiefer even recalled a moment from their childhood while playing with his brother in front of the audience which has Filipino fans.

"It feels great. It takes me back to our younger days when we were playing in the backyard, in our own court at home, playing with no shoes on, just enjoying basketball. Now that we're in one of the highest-level leagues in the world, showing our talents, representing our family and the Filipino people, we're just so grateful," Kiefer said.

Asked about what he thinks about Thirdy, Kiefer, being the older brother that he is, said it is just 'amazing' to be a part of his life and career.

"I think he's alright," Kiefer said in jest. "I watched him grow up from playing in high school to college, winning a lot of championships, and at the same time, being a trailblazer for us Filipinos here in Japan. It's amazing to be part of his life, part of his career."

"As an older brother, we just both wish for one another that we can play as many games as we want here in the B.League [and] stay injury-free."

Kiefer and the Shiga Lakestars on Saturday won against Thirdy and the San-en Neophoenix, while the results in the rematch on Sunday were different as San-en won in overtime.

—JMB, GMA News